Saturday, April 16, 2011

HARRISBURG SHOWS CANCELLED

(Photo by Jeffrey Hanlin)

The Mason Dixon Kennel Club shows scheduled for Sunday & Monday have been cancelled because of flooding. The parking area at the Pennsylvania State Farm Show building in Harrrisburg PA is adjacent to a creek which overflowed due to the heavy rains today.

The show building was evacuated just subsequent to today's Groups and BIS were affected by the flooding.completed just ahead of

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comments:

This show was handled very poorly. If I hadn't gone out after terrier groups I wouldn't have known the flood had taken over. The sound system was atrocious not being able to understand a word. Our rv was parked almost adjacent to the building and the worst part was there was a biker show in the same complex with an expected 21,000 bikers arriving! No one was told until we were admitted to the show grounds. Alot of us show people will not be doing this show again unless the location is moved. Many lost cars, damage to rv' and waded in waist high water to get to their vehicles. Shame on all who didn't make us aware earlier of the past history of this place with flooding. Thank God no people or dogs were hurt as far as we know.

I so agree with the above comment! The fancy should have been warned way ahead of this mess!The PA system in the building is worthless and I was one of the wader's!!! The only one who was really informative was the Security guard woman who encouraged us to leave before it really ( and historically) got worse! And, she was right! Shame on the complex's management and whoever....

This was the first time showing my dog, and was told that we were not allowed to park where theshow was being held even though I had a pass and was escorted to the biker lot, walking over 30 mins in the pouring rain.I will not be back.

I have talked with friends that were there. Last night was chaotic and scary from how fast the water rose. BUT the KC's really jumped the gun in canceling. It was not bad this morning. Yes, some of the parking lot was not usable but its a huge lot and most of it was ok at this point. Inside the only wet spots would have been easily cleaned up with a mop. I know many folks who didn't go this year because their entry fees are outrageous and parking is ridiculous (which I know they have no control over supposedly). Today I know even more folks that will not be going ever again. What was disappointing to the folks that went in to get their stuff this morning is no one from either of the KC's was there to give direction or support.

We stood and watced the water rising, packing quickly, hoping for some direction from the parking crew! Nothing! Thank goodness for the kindness of the German Shorthair people next to me helping me pack up! I was all alone and could never have gotten it all done without help!

Ya know. Every one listens to the radio and the person that said they did not know about the biker show. it was plastered all over the radio weeks before the show. The rain, only GOD can predict what happens. Past history on the flooding of the farm show is long and far in between. You cannot blame the KC for the rain. Nobody expected it to rain so hard and flood the lot.The person that said nobody was there from and KC to assist. You did not look in the right place. I seen at least 10 or so people.I do agree on the cancelation part. The most important thing was no animals or people were hurt thanks to the KC's. Stuff happens. get over it.

The Sunday and Monday shows were cancelled prematurely. The forecasts called for end to Saturday's storm that night and they were accurate. The waters had all subsided by morning and perhaps a one hour delay could have been instituted as most of the equipment was already inside. The decision could have delayed to the AM as there was enough high ground around to handle layovers. Absolutely, the Monday show could have been a go. The easy way out you have to ask?

I've seen the pictures posted on Facebook showing water 1-2 feet deep INSIDE the buildings, and I really have to wonder about the nut cases who are second-guessing the decision to cancel Sunday & Monday's shows. This tells me that these people have nothing more important in their lives than dog shows, and where their precious charges rank in the unofficial ratings system. And that is way, way sad!

The flooding was actually caused by a stream that runs past the parking area. The showgrounds are not adjacent to the Susquehanna River. I was at the show on Friday on personal business and was forced to pay the $8.00 parking fee which got me a spot very far away from the show building. I live an hour away and for the last few years have chosen to drive over 5 hours to the shows in Rhode Island rather than dealing with the hassle of showing at the Harrisburg spring cluster.

"I really have to wonder about the nut cases who are second-guessing the decision to cancel Sunday & Monday's shows. This tells me that these people have nothing more important in their lives than dog shows, and where their precious charges rank in the unofficial ratings system. And that is way, way sad!"

I COULDN'T AGREE MORE!!

How sad that handler and dog safety (and judges, assistants, facility personnel, etc.) are coming second to wins and rankings. Thanks HEAVENS no one (to my knowledge) was injured, all dogs are safe, and the only damage is fixable/replaceable. Lives should NEVER come second to showing and it is truly pathetic that dog shows have ceased to be about the DOGS, the breeding programs, and the comraderie and have become entirely about the wins, the rankings, and the EGOS.

The river did not overflow into the parking lots and the amount of rain did not cause 3 feet of water in the lots.The flooding was caused by the river water backing up through the parking lot drains!!May be they should think about check valves..And as usual the exhibitors are the ones who get screwed.The AKC got their money the club got their money the superintendent got their money and OH Yeah the JUDGES got their money SOOO how easy is it to cancel a show?? Pretty damn easy since you GOT YOUR MONEY!!! I had a Special,two class entries,RV parking all 4 days and an agent that traveled a long way to a good judging panel(for a change)for 2 days instead of FOUR!!WE WILL NOT SHOW THERE AGAIN.Oh yeah the Vendors got screwed too!

I would not blame the clusters for cancelling Sunday and Monday. I went in on Saturday night to get my gear. It was still raining and the water was still rising at 10 PM. Who could have known the conditions the next morning? Given the size of the show, it seemed like the most responsible thing to cancel Sunday when they did.

I would still think long and hard about giving further entries at that location. They charge among the highest entry fees. The parking fee, at eight dollars, is the highest that we pay at a dog show outside of Manhattan and Chicago. In return, we got a complete lack of information about the flooding conditions in the afternoon. Inside the building, the clubs do nothing to enforce their own published rules and regulations.

Why are the exhibitors the losers?All of the money spent on entries and parking for the last 2 days of shows is not refunded.So where is the money?The AKC the K C's the superin. the Judges all got the money.Perhaps someone should look into Insurance to cover cancelled events so the exhibitors could get their money back.Would you expect your money refunded if you went to concert that was cancelled while you were there.They have insurance to cover these situations.It's too easy for the shows to be cancelled because the people responcable for making that decision have their money.I will not enter the Harrisburg shows as long as they are held at that site.

I was told by one of Harry Miller's guys at Noon to move my RV. I noticed that the Superintendent's RV had ALREADY been moved.(AS EARLY AS NOON !!!) The announcement was made around 3PM to move the "SUV" behind the building. There was no mention at any time about the tornado watch! The people that work for the farm building said the area was prone to flash flooding... The club and the RAU's should have done more to get us all out earlier.We are all lucky

I left at about 5:30pm, I was lucky to get my car out of the small front parking lot as the gate in front of the loading dock area was starting to fill with water. I heard an announcement or 2 about moving cars from the "west parking lot" but i heard at least a dozen people asking "WHICH is the WEST parking lot?" not like anybody could look up at the sun to figure it out... and the calm voice of the announcement didn't make it sound like it was as bad as it evidently was.

I've been going to this show for 5-6 years, and never saw any flooding even approaching this situation so I don't blame the Kennel club for that. I do however think the parking situation is ABYSMAL. Paying $8 to hike a half a mile? and the gravel that makes it next to impossible to haul a cart from the back lot? and no ramp by the loading dock either? (That I have seen) And god forbid you forget anything in the car. I had to ask a friend who was parked in the handicap spaces to DRIVE me to my car in the pouring rain to retrieve a forgotten item. This is one of our biggest shows for poms and there were to be majors I think all 4 days, I'm just glad I decided not to enter Sunday and had to work Monday so I got off lucky.

This was my first year doing this show. I have to say that I agree with all the comments. Especially the parking. I was staying at the Staybridge suites, and it would have been a closer walk than where I had to park had it not been for the ditch and fence I could not get thru. When I arrived at 4 the listed time for unloading it took me 45 mins to find out which area my rings would remotely be located in let alone where I should unload at. Once I did I assumed I would be able to unload every day at the same place, only to find I had to unload at the farthest point from my set up. Only to finally get to my set up and be forced to hike back and park and hike some more. If the clubs would open up both sies it would help with congestion and people would be in and out faster as walking time would be reduced. Cabs and shuttles were allowed to drop off at other areas, and if I ever return to this show, I shall use the hotel shuttle service. That would be a win win as you would not have to pay to park and walk! After 2 days of hiking I found out about the shuttle and had the show gone on would have used that the last 2 days. I am just glad that everyone made it out in time, and hopefully the clubs can read these post and make changes for the next shows. One I suggest is a map in the program! You must remember that there are shows even seasoned exhibitors have never been to as is not in their normal area. I can't image how someone new to the sport would figure out that show at the 4 pm move in time.

Dogs and bikers are a bad mix anyway. Forget about the rain, you end up with two groups who could not be more different, one is passive and animal-bound, the other, well, take a guess what they think of dog people.

As for that location, the only thing they're really good at is taking your cash to flip a power switch with a pole. It is dark, noisy, and set up pretty poorly anyway.

Oh that is a good point about a MAP. There were rings in at least 3 different rooms. I was participating in the special puppy 4-6mos class in Ring 15 which was ?God only knew where? I did finally find it off in a side room somewhere, with no helpful signage to indicate where it was.

It really amazes me of how stupid intelligent people sound at times. I can't grasp the concept of how it is the fault of the KC's that the weather turned bad. I'm sure they looked at their crystal ball and found the date that the complex was going to flood and picked that date. And by the way they got their ball at the same vendor that Jack bought his bean stalk beans at. I can't grasp the concept of not knowing there were other events at the complex, which was posted and announced so many times. It didn't interfere with the show that I seen, but then again I didn't stay on site either. I don't understand the comment that was made about the announcement being made in a calm voice....to me that is completely the dumbest comment yet. If there were panic in the voice there surely would have been a stampede with injuries to humans and animals. Since for whatever reason people seem to go haywire. So kudos to the one making the annoucements to stay calm. As far as not knowing where the West parking lot was, folks can surely stop and ask questions at the supers desk to find the ring they need to be in, seems to me they can also ask where the West lot is. I would agree that a map might help and should be a thought for future shows. As far as monies paid...I have no clue if refunds will be made or a makeup show will be held. I do completely agree tht $8.00 to park per day is really outrageous as well as a $6.00 entry fee to get in if you are not showing. So it boils down to this folks...you can either attend future shows from the cluster or you skip them, it is a loss and if you claim the dogs as your business then it is a write off for you...who knows maybe they will decide to have them elsewhere. Just my two cents you don't have to agree with me but at least it is out there for you to ponder on.

"Dogs and bikers are a bad mix anyway. Forget about the rain, you end up with two groups who could not be more different, one is passive and animal-bound, the other, well, take a guess what they think of dog people."

I take GREAT offense to that, as I have family members AND clients (both of which are heavily involved in dogs and showing) who not only own and ride motorcycles, but who are members of motorcycle clubs. What a horribly presumptuous and biggoted comment. Do you have any idea how many dog show people also own motorcycles? Or how many motorcyclists own dogs? The two are NOT mutually exclusive. What a sad world you muts live in to think that is the case...

I'm the (still-anonymous) poster from 4/17 @ 4:47pm who wondered about the nut cases bitching about the show being cancelled. I've scrolled through all the subsequent comments & now have a better understanding of why there's so much anger: Obviously, the show site sucks! $8 to park?? etc. etc. But the remedy for that, friends, is to not enter this show again. Don't complain that they shouldn't have cancelled the shows after 6 inches of rain caused flash flooding.By the way, I was an exhibitor. I wasn't there, dog was with a handler. So I'm out 2 days of entry fees, handler's expenses, etc. I don't think I want to enter this show in 2012, but it's not the clubs' fault that there was a flash flood!

A club's responsibility is to provide a safe, adequate and user friendly environment for a show. AKC has to approve it....This show site should be re-thought out and either moved to the "higher ground part(where the bikers were) or get a new site. No one can predict the weather but one must always consider it in planning. And to think that even an INSIDE show would have to be canceled due to rain and flooding is really a stretch! By canceling 2 days of shows, it had an impact on quite a few. Exhibitors lost entry fees, majors, costs of travel; handlers lost their livlihood, Booths lost their livlihood, local hotels, restaurants, etc lost income, all needed right now and certainly with the economy the way it is, canceling a show is not good for dog-showing people in general. Clubs got their entry fees, supers got their money, sites got their money, judges got their money...who were the losers here? Too many shows are being canceled without long-term consideration and impact. The show chairs have the ultimate decision..no one else and I only ask that they think things through before canceling shows at the drop of a hat! Delay, postpone...we all knew storm was coming..we also knew the storm would be gone by daylight! I went to the site at 8 am the next morning. Yes, there was mud everywhere where it had flooded outside. Inside the show building where conformation rings and grooming were, was dry. I do not know about the OB side or other buildings. Only people present were fairgrounds people.......that I saw. No one to direct etc, i had to find a way in on my own. All the RVs had moved to the "biker side" and were high and dry. I bet if a poll was taken, people would have shown on Sunday after a delay or even if Sunday had canceled and Monday went on....The photos look dramatic and yes, it was at the time, But this was an inside show! and if the inside was even threatened, then future shows here should NOT be approved by AKC..EVER...because you can bet the rain and storms will come again....I have been to shows that were canceled for the judges tent flooding(not the show rings!); for cars putting tire tracts in the parking area of a polo field (shame on the rain!)it wasn't supposed to!; for lightning which let up 2 hours later by 11 am....; lightning, i too respect lightning....but radar once again showed it would be GONE......safety is a prime concern for all involved but common sense and thoughtful planning needs to take precedent over spur of the moment calls which affect so many in a negative way and the decision makers in no way!

I was there with 15 dogs, and it was very bad. How to get dogs moved etc....not a lot of guidance !!! We got our dogs and equipment out safely Thank God. And no one was hurt. I agree there is another dog show, and these needed to be cancelled for people to give up the notion and leave the building !There was a puppy match going on, while we were evacuating....REALLY people !!!!! OMG !!!!

I knew my vehicle was Ok and I made the decision to wait til after the match to WADE to the SUV.. better to get wet once than twice I thought. I ended up wading through over my waist water and my Boxer had to SWIM to make it to the vehicle! this is not an exageration and I was in a "high" lot at Maclay street. My trainer did this THREE times to get her stuff to her vehicle. I have NEVER liked the farm show as a location for this show.. the fee to park is ridiculous and normally you have to park SUPER far away.. I will not be back next year--rain or no rain!

-They canceled it and there are no refunds. I believe the Mason & Dixon Kennel Club associated with the shows just pocketed the money since I am sure they are getting a refund on venue. We should never participate in a show with that club again.

-I needed to walk in the pouring rain with flooding for 15 minutes with my dogs both ways on Saturday. A way to get a dog sick.

Folk - from someone who lives in Harrisburg area - NO ONE expected the amount of rain and flooding that occured. For the creek behind the farm show to flood to this degree is unusual even in heavy rain.

That creek is high contaiminated - so even after the water receded, I would not want to be walking my dog over the ground that it had covered.

AND TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY - a contractor cut through a major water main on Sunday night - cutting of water to the farm show - Monday's show would have been canceld even without the flooding due to loss of water pressure/fire protection.

You guys sound just awful I have been showing dogs for 12 years now and I can say in those 12 years stuff has happened across the country that were forces of nature things that were not expected but happened. Was anyone at the show in Baltimore MD when they called for 4-6 inches of snow and ended up with about 3 1/2ft??? I was there of course people were bitching that they cancelled the show for Sunday as the snow kept falling and was more than what was expected. I had stuff that I had left in the building I didn't live in the area I had to stay extra nights (yes plural) in a hotel because they closed the highway and put everyone on a curfew - was it the KC's fault? How about the parking attendants fault??? NO it just happened!!! I lost my money for Sundays entry it was a major and I had won the major the day before I spent 3 more nights in a hotel and had to pay for meals at the hotel since we couldn't get out to go anywhere. You guys need to stop bitching and get out your big fat straws and "SUCK IT UP" be a grown up stuff happens. Thank God no one was hurt you know those parking attendants that you are talking bad about that were still there well after you guys were all out and nice and toasty in your home, car, hotel or whatever. Anyone remember the shows at Jamestown VA Campground and the times days got cancelled due to storms? No ones fault it just happened! Sad when missing a show is more important to someone than the safety of the dogs, staff, judges etc.

Does anyone that has blaimed the KC and onofrio taken the time to read the premium list for a particular show.In every single one they say that the Onofrio/Roy jones/Foy Trent/etc and the Kennel Club are not responsible for "acts of nature".It also says in premium lists that they are not responsible for someones stuff.That means that if someones grooming table or crates for example gets damage because of weather you cannot hold the kennel club or one of the superitendents responsible.It also says that the Kennel Club/Superintendent holds the right to cancel a show at any time if they fear someones life is in danger.When you show at a dog show either early in the spring or winter bad whether is something you have to deal with.Four years ago I showed at the February Des Moines show.When we got there are on Friday at 3pm the weather was fine.But later that night it started to snow heavily.By morning it was blizzard like conditions.They still went on with the show.

This show needs a MAP too many room (s) and buildings. There are too many RAU shows with out A MAP. If we want new exhibitors we need maps, and if we want seasoned exhibitors who may not frequent certain shows we need MAPS of show grounds. It is not acceptable to arrive at the loading time and be forced to find someone to tell you where to go and that is if you can find some one. Took me 45 mins and I been showing for over 30 years. An AKC rep I finally found they had a map of the site so I knew were to set up to be close to my rings.

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The author has been attending dog shows as a spectator and exhibitor for over 45 years. He is a retired management consultant who has advised multiple organizations affiliated with the AKC and the Cat Fanciers Association on business management, long range planning, customer service, and legislative matters. After 25 years of living in the big cities of New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, he now resides in his hometown of Memphis, TN.

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